how to write an accident report for insurance

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What to Write in a Car Accident Report

We all live in fear of having a car accident. The screech of rubber, the crunch of metal, it’s enough to make you break out in a cold sweat just thinking about it.

Being in a car accident can be traumatizing, but writing a car accident report doesn’t have to be.

We’ve put together some top tips to help you write a detailed report for your insurance company or local DMV.

Gather the Facts

Before you can write a detailed account of the accident, you need to know all the facts. You also need to gather evidence to support your claims.

Identify the Other Driver

Regardless of who caused the accident, you and the other driver need to exchange names and  insurance information .  If possible, take a photograph of their insurance card and driver’s license.

If there were any passengers in the other driver’s car, write down names and descriptions of these people too.

Vehicle Information

Document the details of all cars involved in the accident, including your own. Write down the make, model, and color of the cars as well as the license plate number and state of origin.

Next, describe any damage to the vehicles. Write down the location and type of damage. For example, “The SUV has a dent on the back bumper and a roughly 5 inch scratch on the rear door.”

If you notice any pre-existing damage to vehicles, that wasn’t caused by this particular accident, make note of those details too.

Identify the Witnesses

Write down the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident.

If the witness complies, get a video or audio recording of the  witness’s statement of events.

Photograph the Scene

Don’t underestimate the importance of  car accident pictures . They serve as evidence to back up your version of events.

Photograph the location of the accident from different angles. Take clear pictures of any injuries and vehicle damage.

Describe the Incident

This where you walk the reader through the sequence of events.

Include as many details as you can. Remember, describe only the facts, don’t speculate or make assumptions.

Give a Chronological Account of What Happened

Step by step, describe what you and the other driver were doing before, during, and after the accident.

Explain  what caused the accident , and the after-effects of the crash. Were the vehicles still operational? Were they able to be moved to the side of the road?

What speed were you traveling at? Were you able to talk to the other driver immediately, or did bystanders intervene? Detail your interactions with the other driver and make note of any injuries received.

Remember to include the date and time of the incident, weather conditions, and the exact location of the incident.

Include the Witness Statements

After you have recounted your recollection of the events, add in your witness statements.

Include a description of where each witness was located at the time of the accident so that we can understand their point of view.

Conclude the Report

Once you have proofread your report, you need to sign and date the document. You should also make a copy of it to keep for your records.

Now You Know How to Write a Proper Car Accident Report!

After a bad car accident, you’ve got a ton of things to worry about, but writing a car accident report doesn’t have to be one of them.

Use the tips above to create an accurate, factual report that will explain your side of the story.

For more great automotive content, browse through the rest of  our blog!

How To Describe A Car Accident For Insurance Examples?

Describing a car accident for insurance purposes ensures your claim will be processed quickly and efficiently, as there are many details that need to be included in order to properly document the incident. It is important to provide as much detail as possible in order to ensure that the insurance company has all the necessary information to process your claim. This includes details about the location, time of day, weather conditions, evidence, and any other pertinent information related to the incident that could support your claim.

Example: “On [date and time of accident], I was driving my [make and model of the car] on [street and direction of travel]. At the intersection of [cross street], another car, a [make and model of other cars], ran a red light and hit the driver's side of my car. The impact caused damage to the front left side of my vehicle and caused me to hit a nearby street sign. The other driver fled the scene but I was able to obtain their license plate number. No injuries were reported, but I did seek medical attention as a precaution. I am reporting this accident to my insurance company to file a claim.”

Does Car Insurance Cover Personal Belongings Damaged in Car Accident?

In India, car insurance policies typically do not cover personal belongings damaged in a car accident as standard coverage. Car insurance primarily focuses on providing coverage for damages to the vehicle and third-party liability. Personal belongings, such as electronic devices, clothing, or other personal items, are generally not included in the standard coverage. However, it is advisable to review the terms and conditions of your specific policy or consult with your insurance provider to determine if they offer any additional coverage options or riders that include protection for personal belongings. Some insurers may offer add-on covers or riders that can be purchased separately to provide coverage for personal belongings damaged or stolen during a car accident.

When to Report Car Accident to Insurance?

It is recommended to report a car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible after it occurs. Most insurance companies have a time limit, usually within 24 hours to a few days, for reporting an accident. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to reconstruct the details of the incident and this could affect the insurance company's ability to process your claim. In case of a hit and run, it is important to report the accident to the police and then to your insurance company as soon as possible.

What to Do After a Car Accident with Insurance?

After a car accident, the first step is to make sure everyone involved is safe and to call the police to file a report. Then, exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s). Take photos of the damage and any injuries, and gather witness statements if possible. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and provide all necessary information. Follow your insurance company's steps and comply with their requirements, including getting repairs done at approved shops if necessary. It is important to keep detailed records and receipts related to the accident.

What Happens To Insurance After Car Accident?

When you get into a car accident, it can be a stressful and confusing time. It is important to know what happens to your insurance after an accident so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family. After an accident, insurance companies will assess the damage and determine whether they will cover the cost of repairs. Depending on the type of coverage you have, this could mean anything from paying out of pocket for repairs to having a full replacement car provided by your insurer. Additionally, there may be other factors that affect what happens to your insurance after an accident such as who is at fault and if any other, parties were involved. It's important to understand how these factors impact your policy so that you can make informed decisions about how best to proceed with filing a claim or seeking additional coverage.

How to Write a Car Accident Report for Insurance?

Writing a car accident report for insurance is an important step in making sure that you receive the coverage you need. It is essential to provide all of the details of the incident accurately, so it is important to take your time when writing your report.  It is important to be as accurate and detailed as possible in your accident report, as it will serve as a key piece of evidence in your insurance claim.

• Personal Information
• Date and time of the accident
• Description of the Accident
• Damage to vehicles
• Witness information
• Police involvement
• Weather and road conditions
• Insurance Information.

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How to Write a Motor Vehicle Accident Report

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References Approved

Gathering Information

Describing the incident, diagramming the scene, sample accident report, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Lahaina Araneta, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Lahaina Araneta, Esq. is an Immigration Attorney for Orange County, California with over 6 years of experience. She received her JD from Loyola Law School in 2012. In law school, she participated in the immigrant justice practicum and served as a volunteer with several nonprofit agencies. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 486,854 times.

Typically when you're in an accident on the road, the police will complete a police report describing the accident. However, in some cases you may need to submit your own report, either to your insurance company or your state's DMV. If you need to write a motor vehicle report, take time to gather accurate information so you can describe the incident with as much detail as possible. [1] X Research source

Things You Should Know

• Copy down the driver's license, vehicle, and insurance information from the other driver. Get contact information for any witnesses, as well.
• Explain what happened and who was involved, including the location and nature of the accident as well as any injuries or property damage.
• Take photos and/or create a diagram of the scene that shows what happened.

• Check to make sure that there are no injuries. If someone is hurt, call for help first before trying to get their information.
• Get the other driver's license. Write down their name, home address, birth date, and gender. You'll also want the name of the state that issued their license, their license number, and the date it expires. Give them this information for yourself as well.
• If the other driver does not have insurance or identification, call the police. Tell the police that you cannot get the required legal documents of the other driver. They will come out and handle the situation.

• Write down specifics about where there is damage. For example, you might say "Sedan has broken bumper and dent in the rear quarter panel."
• Take down the license tag number for all the vehicles, along with the name of the state. You also might want to make note of the vehicle's VINs (vehicle identification numbers) for insurance purposes.

• If you get their phone number, make a note of when is the best time to reach them at that number.

• Take your photos as soon as possible after the accident occurs, so the light and weather conditions are similar. Photograph the scene from multiple angles if it is possible for you to do this safely.
• You also might want to take pictures of all the people involved in the accident. These can be helpful later if someone claims an injury later when they seemed fine at the scene.
• If you were injured, take pictures of your injuries as soon as possible – ideally, before they are treated by a medical professional.

• It's best to get a statement from a witness at the scene, and then get their phone number in case you need to follow up with them later. Many witnesses won't come forward after the accident. If possible, take a video or audio recording on your phone of their statement.
• Write down exactly where they were when the accident occurred. If possible, take pictures of the scene from where they were standing, so you have an image of their vantage point. If there are any signs, posts, trees, or other objects obscuring their line of sight, make a note of those as well.

• You'll also need the same information for any other drivers who were involved in the accident. If there were passengers or pedestrians also involved in the accident, provide their names, ages, and genders.
• Get numbers of first-responder vehicles and the names and badge numbers of first responders, if possible.

• Your city or state may have a specific form for you to fill out that includes spaces for specific details, such as the weather, light, and road conditions.
• If you don't remember the conditions and weren't able to take any photos, leave these details blank – don't just guess or look up an old weather report. You need to be able to vouch for every detail included in your report.
• Provide any photos or videos you have showing the conditions at the time of the accident to support your case.

• For example, if the accident occurred on the interstate, you would need to note the name and direction of the interstate as well as the mile markers or any exits before and after the accident. Include the estimated distance from the nearest marker.
• On city streets, you also might want to include any landmarks. Describe the street, including whether there is a sidewalk or bike lane.
• If any other property was involved, describe it as well as where it is relative to the street.

• For example, suppose the other driver rolled through an intersection and hit the side of your car while you had the right of way. You can say that you had the right of way – that's a fact. However, a statement such as "the other driver wasn't paying attention" would be an opinion.
• If there are gaps in your memory or specific details you don't remember, state in your report that you don't remember. That way you can fill in the detail later if your memory returns.
• If there were pedestrians involved, describe what they were doing. For example, the pedestrian may have been crossing the street in the sidewalk, or may have run out in traffic to retrieve something.

• You also might want to describe where they were located relative to the scene of the accident and what they saw. For example, the person may have been standing on the corner waiting to cross the street when the accident happened, or they may have come over afterward.
• If you managed to get a video or recording of the witness, include it in your report. If the witness doesn't come forward, this recording can act as evidence instead.

• If you or anyone else called 911, give an approximate time that call took place and describe who showed up at the scene.
• If paramedics arrived, discuss whether anyone was treated at the scene or transported to a hospital for further treatment.

• Provide a rough estimate of property damage or damage to vehicles involved in the crash. You should state specifically if you believe a vehicle to be totaled.
• If there were any fatalities as a result of the accident, list them separately. Include the name, age, and gender of anyone injured, and classify the severity of their injuries as best you can. Describe where on the body the injury was located and the person's role in the accident. If they were immediately transported to a hospital, provide the name of the hospital where they were taken.

• Just stick to the specific road or other area where the accident took place. There's no need to include adjoining blocks or side streets if they weren't directly involved in the accident.
• Make sure you have the correct number of lanes and that any traffic lights or signs are marked correctly.

• For example, suppose the accident occurred at an intersection. You were heading north, while the other car was headed west. Draw an arrow for the cars to indicate the direction in which they're traveling, and write out each of the directions along the four sides of your drawing.

• If there were other cars nearby that weren't involved in the accident, you can still draw boxes for them if you want, but don't worry about getting too detailed. Other cars are only really important to the extent that they affected the ability of you or the other driver to avoid the accident.

• If the speed the cars were traveling is in dispute, make a note of this on your report, but keep your reported facts objective. If you thought the driver of the other car was going faster than they claimed they were going, simply say it appeared they were going one speed, but they claim they were going another speed.

• If they were in another vehicle but were not involved in the accident, draw a box to represent their vehicle and put their "X" inside. Note if they were a passenger or driver of the vehicle, and where they were seated.
• If a witness's view was partially obstructed, include whatever obstructed their view in your diagram.

• After you sign and date your accident report, make a copy of it for your records before you submit it to the relevant authorities.
• Generally you want to submit your accident report as soon as possible after the accident occurred. Check with the company or department where you need to send your report and find out if there's a deadline you must meet.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.dmv.org/insurance/when-to-report-an-auto-accident-to-the-dmv.php
• ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/web/eng_pdf/sr1.pdf
• ↑ http://injury.findlaw.com/car-accidents/after-a-car-accident-first-steps.html
• ↑ http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Forms/DMV/32fill.pdf
• ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv104.pdf
• ↑ http://thelawdictionary.org/article/how-to-write-an-accident-report/
• ↑ https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv104.pdf/

About This Article

To write a motor vehicle accident report, start by getting the other driver’s name and insurance information. You should also write down information about their vehicle, including the year, make, model, color, and license plate number, as well as a description of the damage. For example, you might say "Sedan has broken bumper and dent in the rear quarter panel." If you have a camera or smart phone, take pictures of the vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any injuries so you can describe the incident in your report in as much detail as possible. For more tips from our legal co-author, like how to make a diagram of the accident, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Car Accident Description: the Scene, Vehicle Damage & Injuries

Home » Blog » How to Write a Car Accident Description: the Scene, Vehicle Damage & Injuries

Posted on: November 10, 2021

When giving a statement, you will have to provide a car accident description to your insurance provider or the other party’s insurer. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles states that your description should include:

• License number.
• The time and date of the crash.
• Other parties involved.
• The location of the crash.

You can also:

• Include a chronological account of what happened from your point of view.
• Keep several things in mind when writing your description.
• Refrain from speculating about who bears the fault for the accident.
• Refrain from making statements about your injuries.

Stick to the Facts so the Insurer Can’t Argue That You Admitted Fault

When writing a description of the car accident scene, always be honest and stick to the facts. You may want to write down what you experienced before speaking to an insurer. This will help you remember details and avoid saying anything that could compromise your claim.

Tell your experience from your point of view in chronological order, starting a few minutes before the accident. You may begin by noting which road you were driving on and which direction you were traveling.

You may also note any details about your surroundings, such as other vehicles on the road or landmarks. When you describe the accident, make sure to report what you felt, saw, and heard. You may not have seen certain aspects of the crash, so describing what you felt and heard can compensate for this.

Avoid Discussing Fault, as You Might Not Know How the Other Driver Was Negligent

An insurer may try to ask you questions about who bears the fault for the accident. Do not answer them. You are only required to describe the facts from your point of view. Avoid making assumptions about what caused the crash or whether you contributed to it at all.

Even if you believe you share the fault for the crash, do not say anything that the insurer could take out of context. For example, avoid using “because” or “since,” as they imply cause and effect. Simply detail what you saw, heard, and felt minute by minute.

Additionally, refrain from detailing any conversations you had with the other parties involved after the crash. You may have asked them if they were alright and exchanged insurance information. It’s okay to mention this, but do not include anything else that was said when giving your description.

Insurers May Try to Use Your Statement Against You

By sticking to the facts, you may prevent an insurer from taking your statement out of context and assigning you the fault for the accident. They may try to use anything you say to undervalue or deny your claim.

Avoid Discussing Your Injuries so the Insurer Cannot Undervalue Your Losses

It takes time to assess car accident injuries, especially if they do not manifest symptoms immediately. For example, Mayo Clinic notes that it can take weeks to feel the effects of whiplash.

Avoid making any statements about how you felt after the accident, such as “once I realized I was okay,” or “I only felt a little pain.” Insurers can draw conclusions about your losses from commonplace statements. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries to avoid compensating you fairly.

If they ask about how you feel, you can say you do not wish to discuss that. Instead, you can assert that you are seeing a doctor.

Car Accident Description Examples to Guide You in Writing Your Description

To get a better idea of how to write a car accident description, take a look at the example below:

“Around noon on December 7, I was driving eastbound on Westpark Drive when I arrived at the traffic light of the Westbranch Drive intersection. I did not have any passengers in my car. I came to a complete stop, and I was behind a white Explorer SUV. I was wearing my seatbelt.

About a minute later, I felt and heard another vehicle rear-end me. My head and chest lunged forward upon impact, and I felt, heard, and saw my car move forward into the Explorer immediately after. My airbags were deployed during the impact. After checking for oncoming traffic, I got out of the car and called the police. The car behind me was a black Honda Civic.”

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How a Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help You Pursue Car Accident Damages

If you choose to hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, they could review your statement before submitting to the insurance company. They can:

• Offer guidance on how to write a car accident description
• Prevent you from saying anything that would compromise your claim
• Step in and handle all communications with insurers after you provide the initial accident damage description

Work with the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC After a Car Accident That Results in Losses

You do not have to take on an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit alone. You have a right to legal representation, and the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our lawyers can guide you through a car accident description and protect you from unfair practices when dealing with insurers.

For a free consultation, call us at (571) 229-1800 .

Call or text 571-229-1800 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

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• How to Write a Good Accident or Incident Report

Jack Benton from EHS Safety News America shares with us the key elements in writing a good and informative accident or incident report.

An incident report needs to include all the essential information about the accident or near-miss. The report-writing process begins with fact finding and ends with recommendations for preventing future accidents.

You may use a special incident reporting form, and it might be quite extensive. But writing any incident report involves four basic steps, and those are the focus of today’s post.

1. Find the Facts

To prepare for writing an accident report, you have to gather and record all the facts. For example:

• Date, time, and specific location of incident
• Names, job titles, and department of employees involved and immediate supervisor(s)
• Names and accounts of witnesses
• Events leading up to incident
• Exactly what employee was doing at the moment of the accident
• Environmental conditions (e.g. slippery floor, inadequate lighting, noise, etc.)
• Circumstances (including tasks, equipment, tools, materials, PPE , etc.)
• Specific injuries (including part(s) of body injured and nature and extent of injuries)
• Type of treatment for injuries
• Damage to equipment, materials, etc.

2. Determine the Sequence

Based on the facts, you should be able to determine the sequence of events . In your report, describe this sequence in detail, including:

• Events leading up to the incident. Was the employee walking, running, bending over, squatting, climbing, lifting operating machinery, pushing a broom, turning a valve, using a tool, handling hazardous materials , etc.?
• Events involved in the incident. Was the employee struck by an object or caught in/on/between objects? Did the worker fall on the same level or from a height? Did the employee inhale hazardous vapors or get splashed with a hazardous chemical?
• Events immediately following the incident. What did the employee do: Grab a knee? Start limping? Hold his/her arm? Complain about back pain? Put a hand over a bleeding wound? Also, describe how other co-workers responded. Did they call for help, administer first aid, shut down equipment, move the victim, etc.?

The incident should be described on the report in sufficient detail that any reader can clearly picture what happened. You might consider creating a diagram to show, in a simple and visually effective manner, the sequence of events related to the incident and include this in your incident report. You might also wish to include photos of the accident scene, which may help readers follow the sequence of events.

Your report should include an in-depth analysis of the causes of the accident. Causes include:

• Primary cause (e.g., a spill on the floor that caused a slip and fall )
• Secondary causes (e.g., employee not wearing appropriate work shoes or carrying a stack of material that blocked vision)
• Other contributing factors (e.g., burned out light bulb in the area).

4. Recommend

Recommendations for corrective action might include immediate corrective action as well as long-term corrective actions such as:

• Employee training on safe work practices
• Preventive maintenance activities that keep equipment in good operating condition
• Evaluation of job procedures with a recommendation for changes
• Conducting a job hazard analysis to evaluate the task for any other hazards and then train employees on these hazards
• Engineering changes that make the task safer or administrative changes that might include changing the way the task is performed

This article was written by Jack Benton and retrieved from EHS Safety News America

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OSHA Recordkeeping for Employees

OSHA Recordkeeping for Managers and Supervisors

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4 Steps for Writing an Effective Accident Report

It’s imperative to institute a systematic method for investigating accidents. A report needs to include all the essential information about the accident or near-miss. The process begins with fact finding and ends with recommendations for preventing costly future workplace accidents . Writing any incident report involves four basic steps.

1. Respond Immediately - Employees should notify their supervisor as soon as an accident or injury occurs. The supervisor’s first responsibility is to see that proper medical treatment or first aid is provided.  Also, if the hazard still exists, the supervisor needs to immediately eliminate it. Your company should have an established procedure for this.

2. Find the Facts - Once the immediate response has been completed, a thorough on-site accident investigation should be conducted by an investigation team. This should take place quickly after the incident so those affected still have the situation fresh in their mind. Items to review include:

• Date, time and specific location of incident
• Names, job titles and department of employees involved and immediate supervisors
• Names and accounts of witnesses
• Events leading up to incident
• Specifically what the employee was doing at the moment of the accident
• Environmental conditions (e.g. slippery floor, inadequate lighting, noise, etc.)
• Circumstances (including tasks, equipment, tools, materials, PPE, etc.)
• Specific injuries (including part(s) of body injured, nature and extent of injuries)
• Type of treatment for injuries
• Damage to equipment, materials, etc.

3. Analyze - After determining how, you must find out why. This is necessary for developing an effective plan of action for control. Causes include:

• Primary causes (e.g. a spill on the floor that caused a slip and fall)
• Secondary causes (e.g. employee not wearing appropriate work shoes or carrying a stack of material that blocked vision)
• Other contributing factors (e.g., burned out light bulb in the area)

4. Complete Corrective Action Plan - Recommendations for corrective action might include immediate corrective action, as well as long-term corrective actions such as:

• Employee training on safe work practices
• Preventive maintenance activities that keep equipment in good operating condition
• Evaluation of job procedures with a recommendation for changes
• Conducting a job hazard analysis to evaluate the task for any other hazards and then train employees on these hazards
• Engineering changes that make the task safer or administrative changes that might include changing the way the task is performed

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5 Things Every Car Accident Report Should Include

Once the police arrive on the scene, provide enough detail to build a sufficient case, if and when you decide to take legal action.

Here are five things every car accident report should include:

• Witness Accounts  

Always collect the name and phone number of witnesses on the scene. If possible, use your cell phone to record their account of what happened. Even if you don’t think they saw anything important, collect their information. You have no idea what will be useful in a future legal action.

For states that use comparative negligence (46 total), you can still seek damages, even if you are partially to blame, as long as you have less than 50% responsibility for the crash.

• Thorough Incident Description

Was the other driver driving too close to the curb when he turned the corner? Was he wearing a seatbelt? Was his passenger? Even if you think these details have nothing to do with the incident, write them down.

But do not speculate or guess. If you do not know something, say it. If you are unsure whether you are injured, say “I am not sure.”   NEVER say “No.” If you find out you are injured, report it to the police immediately.

Other crucial, but often overlooked, accident details include:

• Date and time of the accident
• Weather conditions (was it raining, icy, foggy, etc.)
• Road hazards (i.e., construction road blocks, pot holes, excessive traffic, etc.)
• Your driving speed and the speed of the other driver (estimates are okay)
• Photos of the Scene

ANY damage to either your car or your body should be recorded immediately. Use a cell phone to take quick snapshots of the visible damage, without interfering with the police investigation.

If any bruising or scarring appears later, take pictures immediately. Then, contact your police department to add it to your report.

Here a few commonly overlooked details you should include in your photos:

• Your injuries and injury to any passengers
• Skid marks on the road
• Damage to the other vehicle
• Debris, such as shattered glass, pieces of tire rubber or broken car parts
• The intersection (street lights, street signs, parking lots or other landmarks)
• The weather or environment (cloudy skies, snow banks or icy roads)

Basically, any information that would help create a full picture of the scene should also be captured on film. Also, try to take photos at different angles and distances – a few up close and others 10 – 20 feet away should suffice.

• Driver Details

Whether the police assign fault at the scene or not, the insurance companies involved have the freedom to make any decision they want. So do local judges if the case goes to court.

Collecting information on the driver will make your life easier if the police don’t rule in your favor.

Here are some driver details to collect:

• Their name and address
• Their vehicle’s make, model and plate number
• The number of passengers in their car, as well as their approximate ages
• Any vehicle defects you notice (i.e., non-working brake lights, broken windshield wipers, etc.)
• Any factors that could have caused distraction (i.e., young children in the backseat or items in the vehicle that obstructed their view)  

The more information you collect, the easier the case will be to close.

• Police Officer Details

If the police arrive on the scene, ask for their business card right away. If they don’t have one, write down their name and contact information (or save it in your phone).

Don’t wait until you get the accident report in the mail. Often, the name of the officer is difficult or impossible to read. Other times, the wrong name or the name of a supervising officer will appear. Be proactive, and collect the officer’s information at the scene. That way, you can go directly to the source if any conflicts arise.

But what if the police don’t show up to file a report? Or, even worse, what if the police take the side of the other driver and write a biased report?

The power is still in your hands.

The best defense is having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side.

Just tell Robert! Whether you’re seeking damages for your vehicle or bodily injury, the law is there to help you recover your financial loss and compensate you for pain and suffering.

We’re here for you, and we will evaluate your options free of charge and advise you of the necessary steps to get the compensation you deserve. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Contact us toll-free at 1-800-TellRobert.  

News Sources:

• How To File An Accident Report With The Police
• Accident Guide
• When The Police Don’t Show: How To Report Your Accident
• Understanding Comparative Fault, Contributory Negligence And Joint & Several Liability
• How Fault Is Determined After A Car Accident?
• What To Do After A Car Accident – Seven Stress – Free Steps
• Tips For Taking Car Accident Scene Photos

About the Author

The Lawyers at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. provide personalized legal representation for personal injury cases.

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How to write an incident report?

Even with all the safety measures in place, safety incidents can still happen. The big question is: how do you learn from them?

The answer lies in the incident report.

An incident report is a written account of a situation that has occurred. It provides a record of events that led up to an accident, as well as its immediate aftermath.

The primary purpose of writing an incident report is to learn from the mistakes and prevent the recurrence of the same kind of incident in future. This is especially important if there are injuries involved, as it will help workers understand how they can avoid similar accidents in the future. It also helps management understand what went wrong and how they can improve their policies or procedures so that workers are safer in the future.

An incident report is necessary when:

• There’s a serious injury to any employee or customer (or a visitor).
• An accident causes major damage to equipment or property.
• An accident caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence — even if it’s a near-miss.
• Any other situation where you feel that an accident could have caused significant harm or concerns regarding the safety of employees, vendors, customers or any other people in the vicinity.

Download free incident report template. Available as Word, Excel or PDF formats.

What should you include in an incident report.

An incident report is necessary to record anything from a minor mishap to a major accident and should include all relevant information such as who was involved, what happened and when it happened.

A basic incident report should contain answers to the following questions:.

What happened?

Make sure you include all the details, such as who was involved and what was damaged, lost or destroyed.

When & where did it happen?

Your report should contain the date, time and location where the accident took place. If your company uses a system to track such information, try using that same system for your reports.

Who were involved?

Include other people who were present at the time of the incident or accident and what they did at the time of the incident. This will help determine how exactly the incident happened and any other secondary contributing factors.

What did they do?

Detail out what each of those persons was doing just before, during and after the incident. This is an important detail to help you get down to the bottom of the incident and truly understand the root cause.

Why did it happen?

Your report should explain why the accident occurred so that anyone reading it can understand how it happened and what could have been done differently to prevent it from occurring again.

Were there any witnesses?

You’ll need witness statements from the people nearby and any other involved parties to help explain an event or clarify who was involved.

What is the extent of damage to a person or property?

This would include the severity of the incident as well as any person or equipment damaged in the incident and the follow-up treatment.

Step-by-step process to write an incident report

1. Collect the information

The first step is to collect all the relevant information. This includes all the details of the incident, including wh en it occurred, where it took place, what happened and how many people were affected. You should also include any photos or video evidence that could be relevant. You can use checklists or an incident reporting tool like Safetymint to help you collect the necessary data.

2. Establish the order of events

Once you have collected all the information about an incident, you need to determine exactly what happened. An effective incident report starts with a summary of what transpired, followed by a description of each event in chronological order. The order of events is crucial because it helps investigators determine whether there is any pattern to the problem and how to fix it.

3. Analyze the root cause

After determining the exact sequence in which the incident occurred, you need to analyze the root cause of this problem to identify ways of preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The analysis can also include a review of previous incidents that were similar in nature and frequency leading up to this particular incident. This will help you understand if there is a common cause for all these events or not.

4. Formulate corrective action

With the root cause of the event clear, you can then discuss to formulate corrective and preventive action (CAPA) to avoid a similar incident in the future. These corrective actions should be based on past experiences and lessons learned rather than just assumptions or guesses.

You can also involve other team members or stakeholders who may know about preventing such events from reoccurring in the future. All of these information will be helpful for the investigative team to understand what went wrong and suggest recommendations

Reporting incidents using spreadsheets?

Upgrade to Safetymint Incident Reporting System.

Best practices to follow when writing an incident report

A good incident report should include as many details as possible about the event. Here are some tips for writing an effective incident report:

Describe what happened in detail

Include all facts related to the incident, such as who was involved, when and where it took place, how many people were involved and what they were doing at the time of the accident.

For example, if someone fell from scaffolding due to faulty equipment or improper use of equipment, provide as much information about what the person was doing, the equipment they were handling and the safety protocols followed/neglected — so that others can learn from it and avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Be objective when describing events

Don’t editorialize or speculate about why something happened — simply state what happened and how it affected you or others involved in the accident.

The most important thing about being objective is not allowing emotion to cloud your judgment. Write down what you saw and heard, not what you thought or felt at the time. Avoid making assumptions and using words like “I think” or “I believe” when describing the events.

Be as thorough and accurate as possible, but avoid going into excessive detail about things like how you felt during the incident or what others said afterwards.

Use simple language

Your goal should be for anyone who reads your report to understand exactly what happened without needing any additional context or background information. So avoid using complex phrases or technical terms unless necessary. Otherwise, stick with simple language and avoid using abbreviations or acronyms unless they are widely accepted within your industry.

Include photos, if possible

If the incident caused physical damage, take photos so they can be included with your report. Photos will help show any damages or injuries resulting from the situation and clarify any questions about what happened during the incident.

How Safetymint can help in reporting incidents

Safetymint is an online incident management system developed to help organizations manage safety incidents, observations and near misses . It improves your safety culture by getting more people involved in reporting incidents and it enables you to gather the right data to make better decisions.

Instant reporting

Safetymint offers a simple & quick process for reporting incidents, which helps ensure that all necessary details are captured and recorded correctly. Employees can report hazards themselves through their mobile phones or computers anywhere and at any time.

No prior training

Safetymint has an intuitive interface that’s direct and simple enough that anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer can quickly report the incidents — without any prior training.

Overall dashboard view

The safety dashboard allows you to track your leading and lagging indicators at one glance to monitor performance and take corrective action wherever necessary. This will help you develop effective solutions for reducing injuries and improving overall workplace health and safety performance.

Custom investigation workflow

Safetymint includes a 5-step incident investigation process which includes the following steps: Incident reporting, Setting up and investigation team, Root cause analysis , Recommended actions and Review and Closure. This process can be used for both internal as well as external investigations.

Capture incidents and near-misses with accuracy.

Resolve incident with a 5-step incident investigation process. Available both on Mobile and Desktop browsers.

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Claim Advice

How to report your car accident to the insurance company.

Written By Umrah Syed

Being involved in a car accident can certainly be an overwhelming experience. In the midst of dealing with bodily injuries, property damage and accident claims, it can be hard to know where to begin and what needs to be dealt with first. One of the first things to do after a car accident would be to report the car accident to your insurance provider and make an insurance claim . They will then be able to investigate who was at fault for the accident and who should pay for damages. If you have recently been involved in a car accident and wish to seek compensation for your injuries, read on to find out more about reporting a car accident and what you should say to the police when reporting it.

Collect details at the scene of the car accident

Where a car accident has occurred, any evidence is helpful in establishing a claim for compensation. Therefore, parties involved in a car accident should always exchange their details after a car accident occurs. You should try to obtain critical details such as:

• The other driver’s name and contact details
• The owner of the car (if not the same as the driver)
• The other driver/owner’s insurance details
• The year, make, model and registration numbers of the cars involved
• The names and contact details of any passengers
• The names and contact details of any witnesses to the car accident

There may be some circumstances, such as a hit and run, where you are unable to identify any details of the other car. In such cases, you should ask the police or any witnesses if they were able to obtain any details. If you are still unable to obtain any information, the injured party should consider filing a claim under the NSW’s Nominal Defendant Scheme.

Make an insurance claim as soon as possible

There can be strict time limits as to when you can lodge an insurance claim, and these time limits can differ depending on the type of accident or insurance policy you hold. To ensure that you have not run out of time to lodge a claim and miss the chance to receive compensation, you should endeavour to quickly lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, as well as the other driver’s insurance provider if they were at fault.

Do not make recorded statements

You are not obligated to make any recorded statements to any insurance company. Therefore, if recorded statements are requested it is best to decline as these statements will be used as your verbatim account of the accident and may not be favourable to your claim if you should accidentally say the wrong thing.

Remain honest throughout the process

Lying to an insurance provider about certain details can prove to be a costly mistake and can result in a refusal of your claim or even serious legal action. Insurance companies have many mechanisms of determining the true story of events in regards to an insurance claim – including contacting witnesses, or accessing surveillance footage. If your story does not add up, there is a chance that the insurance company will catch you out.

Do not speculate

You should never feel the need to speculate about things you are unsure of. The insurance company may attempt to confuse you by asking questions that you do not know the answer to, such as asking for a self-diagnosis of injuries or how much compensation you think you are entitled to. In such cases, you should simply state that you do not know or that you are not qualified to answer, instead of offering speculative answers.

Know your worth and don’t feel obligated to accept the first offer

You should know how much compensation is fair for your situation, as insurance companies tend to offer a low compensation settlement from the start. In fact, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to offer you a quick settlement in the hope that you will not realise the full extent of your possible damages. Therefore, don’t feel pressured to take the first settlement offer the insurance company gives you. If you are feeling pressured, you can always ask the insurance company to send you a settlement offer in writing, so that you won’t feel the need to make a decision immediately.

Seek legal help from compensation experts

Personal injury lawyers are qualified professionals who are constantly dealing with the insurance claim process. It is worth considering hiring a compensation lawyer as this insurance claim process can be highly complex and hard to comply with for those inexperienced in this area. Compensation lawyers can also help to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf, and help to pursue legal action where necessary.

For more information about car accident insurance claims, contact Schreuder Partners today.

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